Lower School: The Foundation ​Years

The lower school provides a progressively challenging program for students from kindergarten to 5th grade. It provides young learners with both a core set of academic skills and a respect for the world around them as a meaningful foundation for learning and life. The dynamic, collaborative teachers actively engage students in the learning process. The dual curriculum is individualized, challenging, and integrated to ensure that students develop a love of learning, gain confidence as learners, and learn key foundation skills.

Language Arts:

Robust literature, language, and comprehension program that encompasses a balance of oral and written language

Participation in writing workshops to develop critical thinking skills while honing written and oral communication

Exploration of topics that have relevance to today’s world, such as pollution, endangered species, renewable resources, and the rain forest as well as basic curriculum studies in science

Co-curricular projects in other subject areas, including language arts, social studies, art, and STEAM to support the science curriculum

Instruction in how to make observations and predictions, ask questions, seek information, and conduct experiments

Instruction by a specialist in the field

Social Studies:

Emphasis on Jewish heritage with a blend of world history, American history, and current events

Analysis of the impact of geography, economics, and government structures on history and contemporary society

Thought-provoking learning environment using the principles of cooperative learning and intellectual curiosity, including class discussions, group projects, and the exploration of different themes

Enhancement of literature and research projects through social studies

Judaic Studies:

Character development through experiences with tzedakah, empathy, fairness, respect, and humanity

Torah study with an emphasis on analyzing themes as well as recognizing and integrating values into daily living

Instruction in customs and ceremonies, including prayer in synagogues, lifecycle events, and holiday celebrations

Hebrew Language:

Instruction in oral, reading, and written Modern Hebrew language skills

Total immersion program using an interactive, cutting edge curriculum, TAL AM-TAL SELA

Availability of a mechina program for students who begin their Hebrew language studies later in their education

Israel Studies:

Development of a commitment, passion, and connection to the Jewish Homeland

Education about modern Israeli culture through weekly visits of Israeli messengers (schlichim)

Integration of Biblical and modern history and geography

Tikkun Olam:

Stressing the importance of healing the world (tikkun olam)

·Student participation in social action projects in the local community and abroad

The Arts:

Development of problem-solving abilities and exploration of creativity

Participation in curriculum-related collaborative visual art projects, such as totem poles, rain forest dioramas, drama sets, and written reports on a chosen artist with an accompanying art project in the style of that artist

Illumination of Jewish heritage through holiday-related projects

Development of vocal and performance skills, learning how to read basic music, and playing instruments

Integration of music with the rest of the curriculum through performance opportunities for all students

Physical Education:

Improvement of personal health and wellness through physical activity and educational opportunities

Team and individual sports, with a focus on basic large and small motor skills

Development of teamwork skills

Technology:

Leading edge technology to support the curriculum, while retaining the core teacher-student relationship

Instruction in how to use technology responsibly

Ongoing technology professional development for teachers

Feel free to browse through the curriculum summaries that follow by clicking on the links.